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UK Announces Road Closures, no-fly Zones for Tinubu’s State Visit

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  Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle. Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners. The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm. Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit. “The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not.. “As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning, and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall said. He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest. “We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested.” The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources. “We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said. The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event. Hall said, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.” He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant. “The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” Hall added. Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit. Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk

LAMATA Refutes Confrontation with TikToker, Cites Privacy Rules

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  The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has responded to allegations of harassment involving a Lagos-based TikTok content creator, darkskinnedella, following a series of viral videos shared by the creator. The creator, who documents her daily commute to Lagos Island on TikTok, drew attention this week to the prolonged waiting times faced by commuters, often exceeding two hours, and alleged harassment by transport staff when filming the congestion. In response to an inquiry by PUNCH Online regarding the alleged harassment and bus shortages, Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, Kolawole Ojelabi, clarified that the incident “was not a confrontation per se.” He explained that “in line with the privacy law, filming individuals without their consent within our transport infrastructure is discouraged. “One of the ground staff of one of our Bus Operating Companies attempted to communicate this policy to the individual who was filming, but the message was unfortunately received with aggression.” LAMATA also addressed concerns about alleged bus shortages along the Ikorodu corridor. Ojelabi noted that each BRT route has a specific number of buses assigned daily. “The reports of bus shortages currently trending have been noted. However, it is important to clarify that each route has a specific number of buses allocated to it. “Once these buses are loaded and depart with passengers to their destinations, subsequent commuters may have to wait for the buses to return before boarding,” he said, clarifying that the delays reflected operational realities rather than a shortage. The agency further denied claims that buses had been chartered for private events, which the TikToker suggested contributed to the morning congestion. “This is not true. Buses are not expected to be on charter,” Ojelabi said. On measures to improve service, LAMATA stated it is collaborating with private operators to expand the fleet and ease commuter waiting times. Darkskinnedella has been documenting her BRT commute since relocating to Lagos in late 2025, showing long queues, early departures from home, and delays both in the morning and evening. She explained that she leaves home as early as 6:30 a.m. to reach the terminal by 7 a.m., yet still sometimes waits more than two hours before boarding. Many commuters rely on the BRT system for its dedicated lanes and lower fares compared to commercial buses. The Lagos BRT system is regulated by LAMATA, which oversees policy, infrastructure, and system regulation, while daily operations are handled by private bus companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited. Concerns over bus shortages on BRT routes are longstanding. Reports from PUNCH Metro dating back to 2020 documented similar complaints from commuters about long queues and insufficient buses, particularly along busy corridors such as Ikorodu. Despite fare reductions and fleet expansion measures, demand continues to outpace supply, highlighting persistent operational challenges in meeting commuter needs.

Dangote Slashes Fuel Price by N100 as Global Crude Slumps

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  The Dangote Refinery on Tuesday reduced its petrol gantry price by N100, from N1,175 to N1,075 per litre. The move followed a slump in global oil prices, with Brent crude dropping to $89 per barrel from over $100 on Monday. Officials of the refinery confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that diesel prices have also been reduced. They stated that petrol supplied via coastal distribution channels will now sell for N1,050 per litre, reflecting a slight differential for marine logistics. Similarly, diesel is now N1,430 per litre at the gantry, representing a N190 reduction from the earlier price of N1,620 per litre. According to oilprice.com, Brent crude prices witnessed a dramatic reversal on Tuesday, plunging nearly 27 per cent from the previous day’s high of $119 per barrel to as low as $87 per barrel. The Dangote Refinery reportedly blamed global crude volatility for the repeated price hikes, citing tensions arising from the US-Iran conflict. Details later…

Kano Gov Sacks Head of Service

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  The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has relieved the state Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect. The development was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa. According to the statement, the decision is part of ongoing efforts by the administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions. The statement partly read, “The decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the present administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across all government institutions.” The governor thanked the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure. “We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the statement quoted the governor as saying. Yusuf also directed that the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, Bilkisu Maimota, should serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service. The statement added, “The governor has directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.” The governor further directed Musa to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service not later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The development comes amid recent political realignments in Kano following the governor’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that has triggered adjustments across political and administrative structures in the state. The shift has led to a wave of repositioning among political appointees and government officials as the administration aligns with the new party structure while pursuing broader reforms within the state civil service.   Punch

UNILAG Dismisses ASUU Strike, Maintains Exams Will Hold

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  The management of the University of Lagos has chided the varsity’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for declaring an industrial action without following due process. The ASUU UNILAG, rising from a congress held on Tuesday, asked lecturers to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what they described as ‘amputated’ January and February salaries received. The Chairman, ASUU, UNILAG chapter, Prof Idou Keinde, stated that the lecturers did not receive the full complement of their salaries: Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Professorial Allowance. Keinde vowed that the lecturers would not resume work until their full salaries are paid. But UNILAG, through its Head, Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, on Wednesday, said the university would continue to engage with the ASUU executive to address the issues, especially the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. The statement read, “The Management of the University of Lagos has noted reports circulating in the media that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG Chapter, at its Congress held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, directed its members to suspend their services over alleged unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. “Management observes that due process was not followed in making this declaration. Nevertheless, in its commitment to the welfare of staff and students, the university has continued to engage with the ASUU Executive to address all issues.” While noting that engagement with the ASUU would continue, the UNILAG management said the ongoing students’ examinations scheduled for Wednesday will proceed as planned. “The university is particularly mindful that students are currently at a critical stage of the academic session, with semester examinations already underway. “Any disruption at this time would adversely affect students, especially those scheduled to commence the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, internships, and those preparing to proceed to the Law School,” the statement added. It, however, noted that courses for which students have been informed by their Deans or Heads of Department that examinations will not be held will be rescheduled. “All examinations will continue as scheduled from Thursday, March 12, 2026, and deans are to ensure that necessary arrangements are put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the examinations. “Management appeals to all members of the university community to remain calm and continue to go about their lawful academic activities as discussions with ASUU executive continue toward an amicable resolution of the issues raised,” the statement concluded.   Punch

Iran Strikes Israel, Gulf Nations as Oil Prices Fluctuate

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Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a proposed record release of oil reserves helped calm markets and prices. The war sparked by United States-Israeli strikes on Iran has spread across the region and beyond, causing spiking energy costs, fuel rationing and even school closures. G7 leaders will meet by video conference later on Wednesday to discuss the war’s economic consequences, particularly the “energy situation,” the French presidency said. The International Energy Agency will decide on a proposal for its largest-ever oil reserve release, the Wall Street Journal reported. The United States on Tuesday said it was hitting Iranian ships capable of mining the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial passageway for oil that has been effectively closed by Iranian threats. The US military posted video footage of Iranian boats blasted apart, saying it had destroyed 16 minelayers near the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” President Donald Trump wrote on social media. Trump faces mounting political risks over the surging cost of oil, months before US elections. Crude prices spiked five per cent late Tuesday before turning lower on Wednesday after the reserve release report. Trump said the US military could accompany tankers through the strait, but his administration acknowledged that a post by the energy secretary announcing a first such escort was untrue. Early on Wednesday, the UK maritime agency said a container ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates had been hit by an “unknown projectile,” illustrating the ongoing risks to transport through the region. With an eye on jittery markets, Trump on Monday said the war would be short, although his Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Tehran would be hit by unprecedented fire on Tuesday. **’Not seeking ceasefire’** The Israeli-US attacks came weeks after Iranian authorities ruthlessly crushed mass protests, although the United States and Israel said they were not necessarily seeking to topple the Islamic republic. Iranian authorities warned against dissent at home, with the country’s police chief saying protesters would be viewed and dealt with as “enemies.” “All our forces are also ready, with their hands on the trigger, prepared to defend their revolution,” national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said in comments aired by IRIB. Tehran also intensified its assault on targets in the region, with the government announcing it carried out its own “most intense and heaviest” salvo, firing missiles for three hours at cities across Israel. AFP journalists heard air raid sirens and explosions in Jerusalem. Emergency services reported no immediate injuries, although Channel 12 said several people were hurt in Tel Aviv. New salvos were reported early on Wednesday, with no reports of injuries. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they also fired on Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which have a heavy US military presence, and also targeted a US air base in Kuwait, Iranian media said. Kuwait said it had downed eight drones, without offering further details. Drones and ballistic missiles were also intercepted elsewhere in the Gulf, including multiple drones heading to the Shaybah oilfield in Saudi Arabia, its defence ministry said. Earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former top commander in the elite Revolutionary Guards, said in an English-language post on X: “Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire.” “We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again,” he added. Seven US military personnel have been killed and about 140 injured since the start of the war, according to the Pentagon. **Fright in Tehran** The United States and Israel launched the war on February 28 with an attack that killed Iran’s veteran leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named his successor, though he has yet to appear in public. In Tehran, one woman in her 40s said she found some reassurance in her impression that the bombings “don’t target ordinary buildings.” “The noise of the bombings is extremely disturbing,” she said. Iran’s health ministry said on March 8 that more than 1,200 people had been killed and over 10,000 civilians injured. The conflict has spread as far as Sri Lanka, where US forces torpedoed an Iranian ship, and Australia, which said on Wednesday it had granted asylum to two more members of the Iranian women’s football team. Iraq and Lebanon, both home to Iran-backed fighters, have become proxy battlegrounds in the war. In Iraq, Iranian-linked groups said on Tuesday that five of their fighters died in strikes they blamed on the United States. In Lebanon, hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes following Israeli air strikes and ground operations targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. New Israeli strikes were reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday, with the health ministry saying another five people had been killed in the southern town of Qana. An Israeli strike also hit a central Beirut neighbourhood on Wednesday morning, state media reported. Iran complained to the United Nations that four of its diplomats died in a strike on a seafront hotel in central Beirut on Sunday, which Israel said was aimed at “key commanders” from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The effects of the war are being felt globally, with the UN trade and development agency warning of rising costs for essentials such as fuel and food hitting the world’s most vulnerable people. In Egypt, which increased the cost of fuels by up to 30 per cent, mother-of-six Om Mohamed fretted about the future. “We were barely getting by as it is. I don’t know how people will manage,” she told AFP at a Cairo market. AFP

PDP Chieftain, Segelu Writes Makinde, Seeks Recognition For Loyalty, Late Father’s Sacrifice

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  A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has written an open letter to Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirming his loyalty to the governor while lamenting what he described as a lack of recognition despite years of political support and contributions to the party. In the letter, Oladimeji said his support for Makinde’s administration had never been motivated by personal gain but by his commitment to the progress and development of the state. “I write at this important moment to reaffirm my unflinching personal loyalty and respect for you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. My support for your leadership has never been driven by personal gain or expectations of reward,” he said. He added that his commitment to the governor and the party was rooted in his concern for the stability and development of the state. “Rather, my commitment has always been motivated by my deep concern for the progress, stability, and development of our dear state, Oyo State,” he stated. Oladimeji noted that he had consistently contributed to the growth of the party and supported Makinde during election campaigns and other political activities. According to him, during the 2018/2019 gubernatorial election that brought Makinde to power, he donated a campaign bus to support the campaign. “For instance, during your first gubernatorial campaign in 2018/2019, I personally donated a campaign bus in support of your emergence as governor,” he said. He added that he also supported the governor’s re-election bid in the 2022/2023 governorship election by facilitating the branding of three campaign vehicles. “During your second campaign in 2022/2023, I also facilitated the branding of three campaign vehicles to further support your re-election bid,” he said. Oladimeji further stated that he extended support to elected officials during the 2024 local government elections in Lagelu Local Government Area. “In addition, during the 2024 Local Government elections, I extended similar support to all elected officials in Lagelu Local Government Area, including every councillor,” he said. Despite these contributions, the PDP chieftain said he had not received any meaningful recognition. “However, it is also important for me to reflect honestly on the journey so far. Despite these sacrifices and contributions, I have not enjoyed any meaningful recognition or the dividends that often follow such sustained commitment,” he said. Oladimeji also recalled earlier political discussions regarding his aspiration to represent the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, stating that the support he had hoped for did not materialise. “From earlier engagements during the period when Chief Bisi Ilaka served as Chief of Staff, to subsequent political discussions surrounding my aspiration for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, the support I had hoped for did not materialize,” he said. The party chieftain also appealed to the governor to immortalise his late father, Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji, whom he described as a committed political figure who paid a heavy price for his political beliefs. “I also made sincere appeals for the immortalization of my late father’s name in recognition of his sacrifices and contributions to the party and the people of Oyo State,” he said. He recalled that his father suffered humiliation during the early years of Nigeria’s democratic journey. “While serving as the Oyo State Party Chairman in the early years of our democratic struggle, he was publicly attacked and stripped naked by thugs at the Premier Hotel around 2001/2002 simply because he stood firmly for the party and the principles he believed in,” he said. Oladimeji added that the late politician was later assassinated while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. “Years later, on September 14, 2007, he was brutally assassinated in his constituency office at Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government Area while serving the people as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives,” he said. According to him, such sacrifices should not be forgotten in the political history of the state. “These painful sacrifices remind us that politics must never forget those who paid dearly to build its foundation,” he said. Despite his concerns, Oladimeji reaffirmed his loyalty to Makinde and his commitment to the development of Oyo State. “Despite the disappointments and setbacks along the way, I continue to choose the path of loyalty, patience, and faith in God, believing firmly that history and the people will always remember those who served with sincerity, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies At 88

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  ABUJA — FORMER Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88, bringing to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians and administrators. His passing, which occurred three days after his 88th birthday, was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, on Monday, March 9, 2026. Onigbinde, a High Chief of Modakeke in Osun State, was widely respected in Nigerian football circles for his tactical depth and long-standing contributions to the development of the game both on and off the pitch. He had two separate spells in charge of the Nigeria national football team. During his first tenure between 1981 and 1984, he led Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team to guide Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking his second stint as head coach of the Super Eagles. Throughout his decades-long involvement in football, Onigbinde earned widespread respect for his tactical insight, discipline, and commitment to nurturing talent, leaving a lasting imprint on the development of the game in Nigeria. His death marks the passing of one of the country’s most influential football figures, and tributes are expected from across the Nigerian football community. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.   Independent NG

Beating Barca would make us Newcastle Legends – Howe

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  Eddie Howe has urged his players to become Newcastle legends by emulating the club’s famous 1997 Champions League win over Barcelona when they face the Spanish giants in the last-16 first leg. Newcastle host the La Liga leaders on Tuesday in a potentially life-changing moment for Howe’s side. Fans still talk in reverential tones about Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick and Keith Gillespie’s brilliant performance in the Magpies’ 3-2 win over Barca in the Champions League group stage 29 years ago. Howe, then starting his playing career at Bournemouth, watched that remarkable match on television as a teenager. Now, Howe and company have a chance to etch their own names in the annals of Newcastle history by defeating Hansi Flick’s star-studded team. “Yes, I watched the game. I was very focused on my playing career. But you couldn’t watch that moment. It was one of those legendary games,” Howe told reporters on Monday. “Of course, we want people in future years to be talking about this team. Tino Asprilla gets a hat-trick from those Keith Gillespie deliveries on the right. “I’d want our players to be talked about the same way in 20 or 30 years.” Newcastle have made it to the Champions League last 16 for only the second time. Howe is well aware of the magnitude of the achievement after he arrived at Newcastle in 2021 with the club in disarray. Together with the financial muscle provided by Newcastle’s Saudi owners, Howe has transformed the club from laughing stock status. – ‘A moment for us to grab’ – Newcastle won their first trophy in 56 years when they shocked Liverpool in the League Cup final last season. Beating Barcelona would be an even greater feat for Howe, who urged his players to seize what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “There are only 16 teams left, and we are one of them. It is very much an opportunity to grab a moment that we may never get again. You don’t know what life brings tomorrow, let alone future seasons,” Howe said. “We don’t want to kick ourselves, we don’t want to waste the opportunity and think what ifs. “So this is a moment for us to grab. In my time here, just over four years, we have worked to get to this point. “As long as we perform to our maximum, we have to accept the result.” Having labelled the Barca game as the biggest match in Newcastle’s history, Howe said adopting an underdog mentality could help stun the five-time European champions. “That’s very much the mentality we need, rising to the occasion, embracing the size of the game,” he said. “The underdog role to a degree in my time here has helped us in my time here, when we have been in that situation when we felt the odds were stacked against us. “We are going to need to use every psychological tool because there’s no denying we are playing a very good team, an outstandingly well-coached team. “All our Champions League games have been a great rehearsal for this moment.” Newcastle have already faced Barca this season, losing 2-1 at home in the group stage thanks to a Marcus Rashford double. “When you are playing the very best teams, you take a lot of that with you going forward,” Howe said. “We can take a lot from the performance. Hopefully, we can learn lessons from that tie.” AFP

US Warns Citizens of Possible Terror Threat to Facilities, Schools in Nigeria

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  The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned of a possible terrorist threat targeting US facilities and US-affiliated schools in the country. In a security notice issued via its website on Monday, the embassy said the alert was intended to inform American citizens in Nigeria of potential risks and advised them to take additional precautions when visiting U.S. diplomatic missions and affiliated institutions. According to the notice, U.S. citizens should exercise increased vigilance when travelling to its offices in Abuja and Lagos, as well as schools affiliated with the United States. “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S. affiliated schools in Nigeria. “The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens take additional precautions when traveling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S. affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes,” the statement read. The embassy advised American nationals to vary their travel times and routes, avoid predictable routines, and ensure their mobile phones are charged in case of emergencies. “Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarize yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” it said. The embassy did not spell out the source of the threat. The warning in Nigeria also comes amid a global security warning by the United States after Washington and Israel attacked Iran, which has responded with missile and drone attacks against its U.S.-aligned neighbours. It also follows protests in Lagos and some northern states by members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement, who denounced the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the United States and Israel. The development comes as Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader, reportedly died from injuries sustained during recent United States and Israeli strikes at her residence in Tehran. Recall that President Donald Trump on Christmas Day ordered U.S. bombings of Nigeria, saying he was targeting jihadists. The attack came after Trump complained that Christians were facing persecution in Africa’s most populous nation, an assessment that is contested in a country that has seen widespread violence against both Christians and Muslims.

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